As part of the HYGUANE* project, launched by the European Space Agency (ESA), three retrofitted hydrogen-powered trucks will soon be supporting logistics operations at the Guiana Space Centre.
When it comes to hydrogen, rockets often take the spotlight — but this project offers a remarkable showcase for Hyliko. The French hydrogen mobility operator has won a tender issued by MT Aerospace, a specialist in space launcher components. Hyliko will initially deliver a Hy T44 4×2 FCEV retrofitted road tractor with a range of 500 km, set to enter service in the first quarter of 2026. The contract also includes an option for two additional trucks, with extended ranges of 800 to 900 km, due in the second half of 2027.
These vehicles will be capable of performing up to two daily rotations transporting maritime containers between Kourou and Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, or up to four rotations per day for worksite skip deliveries. “In the long term, we estimate that hydrogen will account for up to 50% of zero-emission heavy-duty transport. In a challenging environment like French Guiana, hydrogen is more efficient and allows for a greater payload than battery-electric trucks (BEVs),” explains Ovarith Troeung, Managing Director of Hyliko.
The project also includes a significant skills transfer component: MT Aerospace technicians will be trained in hydrogen truck maintenance and operation at Hyliko’s Paris-Sud centre in Villabé, Essonne.
The trucks will be refuelled in under 30 minutes at a dedicated hydrogen station in Kourou.
*The ambitious HYGUANE programme includes the local production of green hydrogen via an electrolyser powered by a solar farm. The hydrogen will supply both the Ariane 6 rocket and heavy vehicles operating at the launch site.
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